GB2440605A

GB2440605A - Hidden adjustable fixing system for screen

Info

Publication number: GB2440605A
Application number: GB0706670A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jon Sands
Original assignee: Kohler Daryl Ltd
Current assignee: Kohler Daryl Ltd
Priority date: 2006-04-08
Filing date: 2007-04-05
Publication date: 2008-02-06
Anticipated expiration: 2027-04-05
Also published as: GB0607144D0; GB0706670D0; GB2440605B

Abstract

The adjustable fixing system comprises first 23 and second 25 fixing members having complementary inter-engaging means, at least one of said first or second means having means 26 for enabling the displacement of its engaging means to bring the first and second fixing means into secure engagement. The displacement means may comprise a rotatable cam, which preferably urges a pair of arms of the second fixing member apart and into engagement with the first member. The first and second fixing means are preferably locatable within at least one profile member, which can be accessed within such profile member and maintain a concealed fixing. The engaging means are preferably toothed. In use, it may discretely fasten a glass shower screen, with or without a frame, to a vertical support.

Description

I

ADJUSTABLE FIXING SYSTEM

The present invention relates to an adjustable fixing system, more particularly shower doors, glass shower panels and frame members for such, and the like.

At present, when fixing shower doors and panels to a wall, owing to the fact that the walls to which such panels or doors are secured are not always plumb or regular, a degree of adjustment is required in the fixings to allow for any discrepancies and ensure that the door or panel can be secured vertically. With present fixing arrangements, one metal channel member is attached to a wall, and another is connected to the frame of the shower door or panel. The door or panel is then positioned so that is retained vertically within the metal channel member attached to the wall wall, and a hole is drilled through the respective metal members and then a screw fixing is applied through the hole to maintain the door/panel in a vertical position.

The problem with the prior art arrangement lies in the fact that such requires metal sections, one fixed to the wall and one fixed to the frame of the door or panel, which must first be manually adjusted and then secured by a drilling and screwing operation, which must then be covered to avoid unsightly fixings.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an adjustable fixing system, which eliminates the need for additional drilling and permits readjustment of the fixing from time-to-time if needed.

According to the present invention, there is provided an adjustable fixing system comprising a first fixing member securable, in use, to a substantially vertical support surface, and a second fixing member securable, in use, to a glass panel, door, or frame member, said first and second fixing members having complementary inter-engaging means and at least one of said first or second fixing means, having means for enabling displacement of its engaging means to bring such first and second fixing means into secure interlocking interconnection.

The first fixing member may be locatable within a profile member securable to the substantially vertical support surface, or may be formed integrally with the profile member, in the form of longitudinal ridges formed on the inner surface of the profile member.

The interlocking interconnection may be achieved by means of a cam member provided on a locking member, such as an Allen screw, which is rotatable between an open/unlocked position, and a locked position, to thereby enable a readily re-adjustable interconnection, Of course, alternative forms of twist and lock methods, including spring-loaded mechanisms, or threaded insertable parts, for example including wedges, could be utilised.

In a first embodiment, the first fixing member is an adjustable/expandable fixing member attached to a wall jamb and the second fixing member is non-adjustably attached to a glass door or panel, the adjustable/expandable member being located within a metal member, or profile, secured to the wall jamb. When assembled, all of the fixing members are contained within the profile of the metal member and therefore out of sight. The glass door or panel would have fixing members secured near to the top and bottom of the panel. The edge of the glass door or panel carrying the fixing members is inserted into the metal profile member, bring the fixed members and adjustable/expandable fixing members into engagement, and the glass door or panel is adjusted until a vertical "true" position is achieved.

The expandable portions of the respective ones of the adjustable/expandable fixing members, located in the metal section are then expanded and locked in position. The frame opening is then sealed with a rubber seal. Should readjustment be required, the rubber seal can be readily removed and the adjusting members readjusted slightly and then re-secured.

In a second embodiment, the first fixing member is a first profile member securable to a vertical support surface, said first profile member having longitudinal tooth-like ridges on its inner surface as engaging means for engaging with outwardly displaceable toothed arms of the second fixing member, the outwardly displaceable toothed arms being displaceable between an unengaged and an engaged position by means of a locking cam member, which is securable/locatable within a second profile member, which, when assembled, at least partially receives the first profile member so that fixings are conceal within the profile members.

Since there are no externally visible fixing means, there is no requirement for any decorative mouldings or screw-head covers, or the like, to be utilised and a completely "clean", invisible fixing is achieved, It is anticipated that adjustment ranges of about to 30mm per wall jamb/post can be readily achieved, allowing a wide range of adjustment, where there is significant variation, or irregularities in the walls to which the panel is to be affixed.

The present invention will now be described further with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a basic version of the wall fixing system according to the present invention; Figure 2 is an exploded view of the various components of the preferred embodiment of the wall fixing system; Figure 3 illustrates the wall fixing system of Figure 2 in its fixed secured position, the inner wall of the metal section removed for clarity; Figure 4 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the wall fixing system; and Figure 5 illustrates the wall fixing system of Figure 4, the inner wall of the metal section removed for clarity.

With reference to the accompanying drawings, as shown in Figure 1, the basic concept of the present invention can be seen, comprising a first fixing member 10 securable to a wall jamb 12, being locatable within a metal profile member 13, and a displaceable member 11 locatable within a movable frame member 14 adjustably positionable within the profile 13. A locking member 15 having a cam portion 16 is locatable within an opening 17 in the adjustable member 11. The fixed member 10 and adjustable member 11 have inter-engageable teeth which can be brought into locking engagement by rotation of the locking member 15, so that the cam portion 16 urges teeth of the adjustable member into engagement with corresponding teeth of the fixed member 10 thereby providing a securely locked fixing.

Referring now to Figure 2, the preferred arrangement of the present invention is shown in exploded view, wherein a glass panel 20 is securable within a metal profile member 21 which is securable to a wall jamb (not shown) by means of fixing screws 22. A pair of adjustable, expansion mountings 23 are secured within the profile member 21 by respective retaining screws 24. Corresponding glass clamp mouldings 25 are clipped onto glass panel 20 via holes (not shown) drilled in the glass panel 20 and corresponding pegs (not shown) on the glass clamp mouldings 25. The glass clamp mouldings 25 are resiliently clipped onto the glass panel 20 in a fixed position. The respective expansion mouldings 23 and glass clamp mouldings have inter-engageable teeth. Respective pins 26 comprise adjustment securing pins which have cam portions, which, when inserted in the opening 27 in the adjustable expansion mouldings 23, cause the toothed portion to be displaced by approximately 3mm to bring the teeth of each expansion moulding into secure engagement with corresponding teeth of the glass clamp mouldings 25.

Figure 3 shows the adjustment system of the present invention assembled, a portion of the front wall of the profile member 21 having been

I

removed and the adjustable expansion mountings 23 being shown in section, in the locked position.

The glass panel carrying the glass clamp mouldings 25 can be moved freely in and out of the profile 21 during assembly, and when the glass panel is orientated in the correct position, the cam pins 26 are rotated to lock the teeth of the adjustment expansion mouldings 23 in secure engagement with the corresponding teeth of the glass clamp mouldings 25.

If at first attempt the positioning is incorrect, then the pins 26 can be rotated through a further 900 releasing the engagement of the respective sets of teeth allowing readjustment of the glass panel, which can then be re-secured by a further 900 rotation of the cam pins 26. Once the installer has ensured that the glass panel is true and vertical and the clamp pins have been rotated to their secure position, the opening between the glass panel 20 and the profile member 21 can be sealed with a rubber seal running down the full length of the panel.

An alternative embodiment is shown in figures 4 and 5, wherein the first fixing member comprises a profile member 5, which is securable to a wall jamb, or frame and incorporates in its inner surface tooth-like ridges to provide the first engaging means. The second fixing members 2 are securable within a frame or profile I by means of removable and adjustable securing means 3, and have outwardly displaceable toothed arms, which are displaceable, in use, by means of cam members 4 to bring such into and out of engagement with the tooth-like ridges in the profile member 5. In use, the second fixing members 2, when inserted within the frame or profile 1, are thereby concealed from view and the frame or profile I is then located over the profile member 5, at least partially overlying such. Thus, when the frame or profile I has been appropriately adjusted to be in the correct position, the cam members 4 are rotated forcing the toothed arms into engagement with one or more of the ridges on the interior of a profile member 5 to proved a secure fixing.

If additional or subsequent adjustment is required, then the cam members 4 can be readily rotated to disengage the toothed arms allowing simple and easy adjustment. When assembled, the entire fixing assembly is concealed within the profiles 1 and 5.

The cut-away view shown in Figure 5 illustrates the positioning of the respective members in the assembled and locked position.

It will be appreciated that the present invention provides a simple and reliable means for providing a secure, adjustable fixing of a panel member in a profile without requiring external fixings or drilling and which provides an aesthetically pleasing and reliable fixing system, which is widely adjustable to allow for irregularities in the wall or surface to which the panel is to be secured.

Claims

CLAIMS

1. An adjustable fixing system comprising a first fixing member securable, in use, to a substantially vertical support surface and a second fixing member securable, in use, to a glass panel, door, frame or profile member, said first and second fixing members having complementary inter-engaging means and at least one of said first or second fixing members having means for enabling displacement of its engaging means to bring such first and second fixing means into secure inter-locking interconnection.

2. An adjustable fixing system as claimed in claim 1, in which the complementary inter-engaging means of said first and second fixing members comprise complementary toothed portions.

3. An adjustable fixing system as claimed in claim I or 2, in which the means for enabling displacement of the engagement means of at least one of said first or second fixing members comprises a rotatable cam member which in a first position causes no displacement of the inter-engaging means and in a second position urges the engaging means of said first, or second, fixing means into secure engagement with the other fixing member to provide a secure interlocking connection.

4. A fixing system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the first fixing member, securable to a vertical surface or jamb and includes a displaceable engagement means, and said second fixing means comprises a non-adjustable member having non-displaceable engagement means, at least a pair of said first and second fixing means being provided to be attached to upper and lower portions of a door, panel, frame or profile, in use, with the displaceable engagement means of the upper and lower first fixing members being oppositely displaceable.

5. An adjustable fixing system as claimed in claim I in which the first fixing member comprises a profile member having longitudinal toothed ridges and said second fixing member includes a pair or arms or flanges each bearing toothed ridges for engagement with the toothed ridges of the profile member, said means for enabling displacement comprising a cam member for urging the arms or flanges apart and into engagement with the toothed ridges of the first fixing member, in use.

6. An adjustable fixing systems substantially as herein before described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.